Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Philadelphia

I recently dined at Cuba Libre for a friend’s birthday celebration, accompanied by a group of 4. Unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations due to a combination of poor service and underwhelming food quality.

Upon arrival at 7:50 PM, we were seated promptly; however, it took nearly 40 minutes before our server returned to take our initial orders. Drink service was similarly delayed, and it wasn’t until another 20 minutes later that we were able to place our appetizer order. Despite the restaurant appearing busy, the level of attentiveness from our server did not meet the standard of service one might expect from a well-regarded establishment. It’s worth noting that Brandon, the nightlife manager, made multiple visits to our table to offer his apologies and acknowledge the delays, which we appreciated. Still, this gesture was difficult to reconcile with the observation that the table next to ours accommodated and served three different parties during the course of our visit.

We began our meal with the Cha Cha sampler platter, which included Guacamole Cubano, shrimp cocktail, pork masitas, chicken and ham croquetas, grilled chorizo, chicken chicharrones, black bean hummus, and plantain chips. We also ordered Mamá Amelia’s Empanadas—specifically the Chicken De la Casa variety, featuring chopped chicken, corn, and Jack cheese. The appetizers were the highlight of the evening and the only portion of the meal we found enjoyable and memorable.

For the entrée, I selected the Churrasco a la Cubana, an 8oz grilled skirt steak served with lemon-onion parsley sauce, baby arugula, red wine vinaigrette, and my choice of saffron rice in place of the standard garlic mashed potatoes. I also added grilled shrimp. Unfortunately, the dish was disappointing. The rice had an unpleasant aftertaste and several undercooked, crunchy grains, suggesting it may have come from the bottom of the pot or had been improperly stored. The overall flavor of the entrée was uninspiring, and the extended wait time—approximately 40 minutes—only added to the dissatisfaction.

Additionally, the drink service remained inconsistent throughout the evening, with incorrect orders and excessive delays.

In summary, while the ambiance and occasional staff check-ins were appreciated, the overall experience did not reflect the high praise I had previously heard about Cuba Libre. The lackluster food and subpar service make it unlikely that I will return. Based on this visit, I would rate the restaurant a 3 out of 10.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Passion Fruit

I went to lunch with my wife and friend with the intention of letting my friend try the food since I love the food of Cuba Libre in AC, but to my surprise, my Paella was horrible, I could tell that the rice was fried since it was swimming in oil and both the shrimp and oysters were cooked separately, (when you cook the paella all together you can see that the oysters are filled with rice inside) in this case they were clean and tasteless as were the shrimp, my friend's suckling pig was completely salty, I doubt I will return

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 4

Went early for dinner the food and drinks do not give an authentic Cuban cuisine. The drinks are very overpriced as well. When we transitioned into the club at 11pm the dj and atmosphere was great.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

This restaurant delivers on atmosphere and is a good date spot. We ordered three items only. The mango butter with Cuban bread was a unique and tasty surprise (the first serving was free!), and the garlic shrimp was perfectly cooked. It was definitely the highlight. The garden salad was just okay, nothing special. Inside, the vibe was warm and lively, but stepping outside on a Sunday night felt a bit grimey, which was not the experience we wanted, especially parking far away from the restaurant. But if you’re looking for great Cuban flavors in a fun setting, it’s worth a visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cuban Bread Basket

The food was good no complaints service was oooook maybe the girl serving was tire it was late drinks were great

The price is up there pricey but I think it was worth it I enjoy the food and drinks and the atmosphere

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Churrasco a La Cubana

Food was bland and hardly no taste ..

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Good food if a little overpriced. Staff were lovely. The pulled pork was very good but could have been hotter. Overall very ok!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

Unfortunately, I had a horrible experience. They called me to move my reservation up. When I arrived. I was never acknowledged never taken my drink. They just sent me down. The entire experience was horrible, and I was surprised because earlier that manager had called me to encourage me to move my reservation up I guess they don’t like people coming in at 9 PM despite me making reservations. I was really really disappointed because one was on Valentine’s Day for two. The environment was really beautiful the setting but the service was absolutely horrible and I’ve been here years ago and had a great experience so I don’t know what happened if they have New management, but I was extremely happy to end up going next-door to a Irish pub that had amazing service and amazing food not plans for Valentine’s Day but I’m glad they came through the waiter was unbelievable. He was just so nice going above and beyond and it’s literally the next step over but I would never recommend this restaurant.

The server forgot to bring my drink. She didn’t check on us and I had to walk to the bar and ask for it. It was a slow night. Place was dark and dinghy. Food was not memorable but a little greasy. I was disappointed.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

The waitress was rude :( and there was gum on the table. The manager balled his fists… As he was talking to us. 5 young women.. the waitress , she was blonde. Came for a birthday and we paid prior? They ultimately said something was wrong with our IDs and told us they wont serve us.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Male security on the door was extremely rude! Didn’t enjoy being spoken to in a poor manner for stating we only wanted drinks and not food. Should train the staff in customer service…. Really not good vibes from this place I just walked away with the door staffs attitude.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Door staff are extremely rude. Just wanted to come in for a drink. He had an ego about him. (Usual door staff) racist

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I went to this restaurant decades ago. It was awesome. Everything I ordered was fresh and delicious. I couldn’t wait to share it with my grandson. Anyway what he ordered was some kind of pork dish. It looks like they stuffed it in a tuna can and dumped it out I guess I had it how it came molded anyway it was stringy didn’t have any spices Just awful anyway only go here for and I can’t even remember what the delicious food I had decades ago was but I do remember the plantains and the coffee with the steamed coconut milk were delicious and the plantains and the coffee were still awesome. I would only go here probably for that. Sorry it is what it is. I came all away from Whiting New Jersey just to give my grandson a treat, but I guess everything changes.😞

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

The food was good however it took really long for the entree to come out. Our table was conversing but we did take notice. The customer service was great

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

No good options for vegetarians. Black bean soup was just black beans and veg paella lacked flavor. Service, vibes, and drinks were good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4